Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endoluminally advancing a tubular prosthesis and a plurality of fasteners to a site in a lumen in a human body and passing the fasteners from an inner surface of the prosthesis through the prosthesis and a wall of the lumen to secure the prosthesis to the wall. Embodiments include simultaneous deployment of fasteners using a graft alone or in conjunction with a stent graft. Another arrangement includes guide lines to guide the end of the fixation deployment device to a specific location of the wall of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A cryoablation system for performing endometrial ablation comprising an elongated tubular cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source, and wherein the heat exchanger comprises an outer tubular wall and a plurality of fins extending from the tubular wall toward the interior portion of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system and related methods of utilizing distinct freeze and thaw fluids to selectively freeze or thaw tissue as part of a cryosurgical treatment plan. A closed loop cryosurgical system can include a control console, a cryocooler, a freeze tank, a thaw tank as well as fluid supply and fluid return lines operably interconnecting one or more cryoprobes with the freeze and thaw tank. At the direction of the control console, the cryocooler is used to cool a freeze fluid in the freeze tank while a heating element in the thaw tank is used to head a thaw fluid in the thaw tank. By using distinctly controlled reservoirs of freeze and thaw fluid, the cryosurgical system is able to quickly cycle back and forth between freeze and thaw cycles conducted as part of a cryosurgical treatment.

Abstract: Improved imaging and monitoring systems for use with a closed loop cryosurgical system. As described herein, various systems can be used alone or in conjunction with one another to plan and/or monitor cryosurgical procedures in order to improve cryosurgical outcomes. These systems can include computer assisted planning systems, non-ultrasound based imaging systems and temperature monitoring systems utilized individually or in combination. Through the use of these systems, the precision by which cryosurgical procedures are performed are enhanced.

Abstract: A malleable shaft device for use in surgical procedures, having a tension fiber therein, whereby the malleable shaft transitions from a malleable state to a rigid state when a force is applied to the tension fiber, has a variable-pitch cam operatively connected to the tension fiber, and a lever operatively connected to the variable pitch cam for applying force. The mechanical advantage of the cam changes with displacement to accommodate increasing load, and to increase the rate of travel while loads are light. The force profile may provide for a constant input force to accomplish the full travel of the cam.

Abstract: A device for tissue ablation comprises plural arrays of segmented needle electrodes, each of which contains a plurality of electrically conductive segments, a plurality of non-conductive joints, and a needle tip. Each of the electrically conductive segments is wired to a radio-frequency electrical power source and can be connected to and disconnected from the power source. After the needle electrodes of the device are penetrated into a target tissue to be ablated, the intended volume of ablation can be configured in three dimensions. Thus, the device allows physicians to effectively control ablation boundaries.

Abstract: An expandable apparatus for use with a surgical probe having a temperature-controlled portion includes at least one thermally-conductive elongated extension member and means for thermally connecting and attaching the extension member to the surgical probe. The expandable apparatus further includes means for attaching and moving the extension member between a closed configuration in which the extension member is substantially parallel to the surgical probe and an open configuration in which the extension member extends radially outward from the surgical probe. A method of using the expandable apparatus to ablate tissue that line a body cavity is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode device adapted for use in medical devices, such as tissue ablation apparatus, includes a sheet of flexible fabric including at least one surface electrode formed as part of the fabric. More particularly, the sheet is made from a plurality of filaments. At least some of the filaments are made at least partially from an electrically conductive material and cooperate so as to form the electrode. The filaments are formed into a plurality of yarns which are interwoven to form the sheet.

Abstract: A medical device is provided and includes a thermal ablation catheter and a deployable cage assembly for use in thermal ablation therapy. The deployable cage assembly includes a plurality of arms, each of which has a pair of opposed ends attached to the thermal ablation catheter. Each of the arms is movable from a relaxed configuration to a deployed configuration. When relaxed, the arms are substantially proximate to the thermal ablation catheter. When deployed, the arms cooperate with each other to form an open structure which extends radially outward from the thermal ablation catheter. The thermal ablation device also includes a distensible bladder that serves as an endocervical seal.

Abstract: An electrode instrument is provided and includes an electrode head and a pair of electrodes for emitting RF energy for use in thermal ablation therapy. The electrodes are movable between a collapsed configuration and deployed configuration. When collapsed, the electrodes are proximate to each other, and when deployed, the electrodes are spaced apart from each other. The electrode instrument includes linkage mechanisms that are used to maintain the electrodes in their deployed configuration.

Abstract: A method of forming a lesion at a predetermined heart location is provided. An energy-delivering electrode is positioned proximal to the predetermined heart location; a return electrode is positioned in contact with cardiac tissue. An electrosurgical current, capable of delivering energy through the energy-delivering electrode to the predetermined heart location at a magnitude and for a duration effective to form a lesion is established. A system for treating atrial fibrillation by forming transmural lesions and a heart-positioning device including a return electrode are also provided. In one embodiment, one of the electrodes includes at least a portion that is selectively movable between a first, retracted position in which the electrode is adapted to be deployed through tissue, and a second, expanded position in which the electrode is adapted to be placed within a chamber of a heart.

Abstract: A malleable shaft device for use in surgical procedures, having a tension fiber therein, whereby the malleable shaft transitions from a malleable state to a rigid state when a force is applied to the tension fiber, has a variable-pitch cam operatively connected to the tension fiber, and a lever operatively connected to the variable pitch cam for applying force. The mechanical advantage of the cam changes with displacement to accommodate increasing load, and to increase the rate of travel while loads are light. The force profile may provide for a constant input force to accomplish the full travel of the cam.

Abstract: A needle array adapted to deliver sutures for the anastomosis of two separated tissues through the intermediary of suturing and sewing. More particularly, provided is needle array delivering sutures for the side-to-side anastomosis of two separated vessels, such as an artery or body lumen and a vessel graft or the like. A method of utilizing a needle array is shown, which will provide sutures for sewing separated tissues together, and especially facilitates the side-to-side anastomosis of body lumens or vessels.

Abstract: An expandable apparatus for use with a surgical probe having a temperature-controlled portion includes at least one thermally-conductive elongated extension member and means for thermally connecting and attaching the extension member to the surgical probe. The expandable apparatus further includes means for attaching and moving the extension member between a closed configuration in which the extension member is substantially parallel to the surgical probe and an open configuration in which the extension member extends radially outward from the surgical probe. A method of using the expandable apparatus to ablate tissue that line a body cavity is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode instrument is provided and includes an electrode head and a pair of electrodes for emitting RF energy for use in thermal ablation therapy. The electrodes are movable between a collapsed configuration and deployed configuration. When collapsed, the electrodes are proximate to each other, and when deployed, the electrodes are spaced apart from each other. The electrode instrument includes linkage mechanisms that are used to maintain the electrodes in their deployed configuration.

Abstract: An electrode instrument is provided and includes an electrode head and a pair of electrodes for emitting RF energy for use in thermal ablation therapy. The electrodes are movable between a collapsed configuration and deployed configuration. When collapsed, the electrodes are proximate to each other, and when deployed, the electrodes are spaced apart from each other. The electrode instrument includes linkage mechanisms that are used to maintain the electrodes in their deployed configuration.

Abstract: A medical device is provided and includes a thermal ablation catheter and a deployable cage assembly for use in thermal ablation therapy. The deployable cage assembly includes a plurality of arms, each of which has a pair of opposed ends attached to the thermal ablation catheter. Each of the arms is movable from a relaxed configuration to a deployed configuration. When relaxed, the arms are substantially proximate to the thermal ablation catheter. When deployed, the arms cooperate with each other to form an open structure which extends radially outward from the thermal ablation catheter. The thermal ablation device also includes a distensible bladder that serves as an endocervical seal.

Abstract: A needle array adapted to deliver sutures for the anastomosis of two separated tissues through the intermediary of suturing and sewing. More particularly, provided is needle array delivering sutures for the side-to-side anastomosis of two separated vessels, such as an artery or body lumen and a vessel graft or the like. A method of utilizing a needle array is shown, which will provide sutures for sewing separated tissues together, and especially facilitates the side-to-side anastomosis of body lumens or vessels.

Abstract: A method of forming a lesion at a predetermined heart location is provided. An energy-delivering electrode is positioned proximal to the predetermined heart location; a return electrode is positioned in contact with cardiac tissue. An electrosurgical current, capable of delivering energy through the energy-delivering electrode to the predetermined heart location at a magnitude and for a duration effective to form a lesion is established. A system for treating atrial fibrillation by forming transmural lesions and a heart-positioning device including a return electrode are also provided. In one embodiment, one of the electrodes includes at least a portion that is selectively movable between a first, retracted position in which the electrode is adapted to be deployed through tissue, and a second, expanded position in which the electrode is adapted to be placed within a chamber of a heart.

Abstract: A cryogenic heat exchanger has a pair of coaxial conduits. A pressurized refrigerant gas is passed through the internal conduit, out a thermal expansion valve and back through the annular space between the conduits. The closed end of the outer conduit is chilled by the expansion of the pressurized gas. The cryogenic effect is enhanced by precooling the pressurized warm gas with the depressurized cool return gas. A plurality of porous rings and disks bridging the lumen of the interior conduit and the annular space between the conduits assist in radial heat transfer to accomplish the desired precooling. The material chosen for the rings and disks is preferably highly porous, such as sintered metal, to increase the surface contact area and thereby increase heat transfer efficiency.